What Is a Freemartin Cow? Causes, Characteristics & Facts. A freemartin cow standing in a pasture with other cattle
Animal Disease Animal Welfare Veterinary Science

What Is a Freemartin Cow? Causes, Characteristics & Facts

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Freemartin Definition

Freemartin is a congenital condition that occurs in cattle when a bull calf and a heifer calf are born as twins.

Freemartin Information

Condition Name Freemartin
What Happens? When a bull calf and a heifer calf are born as twins, the heifer calf becomes sterile and unable to reproduce.
Cause
  • Occurs when twin calves (one male and one female) share a placenta in the cow’s uterus.
  • Vascular connection allows hormone transfer, including Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and Testosterone.
  • AMH inhibits female reproductive development; Testosterone induces male-like cell formation in the female calf.
Reproductive System
  • The female reproductive system (Müllerian Duct) is affected by AMH.
  • Testosterone leads to the formation of underdeveloped male and female reproductive organs in the heifer calf, resulting in ovotestis.
Outcome The heifer calf becomes sterile and is unable to reproduce, known as a Freemartin.
The Rajasthan Express: Freemartin Condition Overview

What Happens?

When a cow gives birth to twin calves—one male and one female—the bull calf develops normally. This means that it will mature into a bull with normal reproductive capacity and the ability to sire offspring. However, the heifer calf becomes sterile, meaning she will not be able to produce offspring in the future. Such a sterile heifer is referred to as a Freemartin. The term “Freemartin” signifies that the heifer is free from reproduction.

What Is a Freemartin Cow? Causes, Characteristics & Facts. A freemartin cow standing in a pasture with other cattle

What is a free martin in cattle?

When a bull calf and a heifer calf develop as twins in the cow’s uterus, their placentas form a vascular connection. This allows the transfer of hormones from the male fetus to the female fetus, particularly Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) and Testosterone.

  • Anti-Müllerian Hormone inhibits the development of the Müllerian duct in the female fetus.
  • Testosterone influences the formation of testicular-like cells in the female fetus.

As a result, the heifer calf develops a condition known as ovotestis, where both underdeveloped male and female reproductive organs are present. Consequently, this calf becomes sterile and cannot reproduce. Such a heifer is called a Freemartin.

A freemartin cow is a genetically altered female twin to a male, often infertile due to shared hormones. Learn about its causes, traits, and significance in cattle farming.

Additional Information

  • The female reproductive system develops from the Müllerian Duct.
  • The male reproductive system develops from the Wolffian Duct.

A freemartin cow is a genetically altered female twin to a male, often infertile due to shared hormones. Learn about its causes, traits, and significance in cattle farming.

THE RAJASTHAN EXPRESS

People Also Ask?

What is a Freemartin?
A Freemartin is a sterile female calf that is born when a male (bull) and a female (heifer) twin are born together. In this condition, some hormones from the male fetus reach the female fetus, preventing the proper development of its reproductive system, making it incapable of reproduction.
Why is it called a Freemartin?
The term “Freemartin” means “free from reproduction.” Since the heifer is sterile and unable to bear offspring, it is referred to as a Freemartin.
How common are Freemartin cows?
Freemartin cows are quite common, especially when a cow gives birth to male and female twins. In such cases, there is a more than 90% chance that the female calf will be a Freemartin and will be sterile.
Why are twin heifers sterile?
When a male and female fetus develop together in the womb, their placental blood flow connects, allowing male hormones (such as Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Testosterone) to enter the female fetus. These hormones disrupt the normal development of the female reproductive system, rendering the heifer sterile.
What is a Freemartin in cattle?
A Freemartin is a congenital condition in which male and female twin calves are born together. Due to the influence of male hormones, the female’s reproductive system does not develop properly, resulting in sterility.
Is a Freemartin male or female?
A Freemartin is genetically female, but it may develop underdeveloped reproductive organs of both male and female characteristics. As a result, it is not fully female and is unable to reproduce.

Rakesh Kumar

I am Rakesh Kumar, hailing from Rajasthan, and I proudly serve as a Private Veterinary Livestock Inspecter . With years of experience in the field, I am passionate about promoting the health and welfare of animals. As the administrator of The Rajasthan Express website, I am committed to delivering accurate and valuable insights into veterinary science and animal care.
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